Hello~
I have PMR, Osteoarthritis, DDD, and a few other ailments.
I was diagnosed with PMR about 9 years ago, with much reluctance by my first Rheumatologist, because I was in my 40’s.
But, my symptoms fit to a tee, and my inflammatory markers were through the roof.
Over the first 8 years, I was on Methylprednisolone most of the time. I weaned off a few times, and felt okay for a few months, then the pain came back, and my markers went up. So, back on I went.
2 years ago, I started seeing a Rheumatologist at Duke, (my 4th Rheumatologist), and she said, you cannot stay on Medrol. It is breaking down your body.
Both my Rheumatologist, and my PCP explained to me, that I was very compromised, and would not have a good immune system to fight off infections.
So, last year, my Rheumatologist started weaning me on to injectable methotrexate, and off the Medrol.
I felt absolutely terrible weaning off the Medrol that time. I was physically sick. But, I stuck to it. It took about 5 months. Faster than she wanted, but I knew I had to get off of it.
I took the Methotrexate injections for about 6 months. The side effects were not too bad, and I weaned off much easier.
I have been off all Biologics for about 5 months, though not pain free by any means.
Unfortunately, I got Covid, in December, and it brought about a flare up of PMR, and my markers, this month.
So, I will be taking a dose pack of Medrol, to see if we can knock it out fast. Here’s hoping! How I dread it.
Let me also add, that I started having very bad indigestion, and headaches from long term use of Medrol. And, my stomach will never be the same.
I guess I am considered a lifer. It runs heavy in my gene pool.
Get a good Rheumatologist that will listen to you, and treat you, not just the disease. It can be a long journey.
Good luck!
Kathy